Documents

(Please note:  Some of these documents are not currently accessible.  To request a Section 508 compliant copy please contact Susan Pasko, Executive Secretary, Designated Federal Officer)

Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Organizational Documents

Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Strategic Plans

Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Reports to Congress

Aquatic Nuisance Species Laws and Regulations

Aquatic Nuisance Species Interagency Documents

  •  (2015)

Other Federal Invasive Species Interagency Organizations

State Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans

  • Connecticut Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan
  • Plan for the Management of Aquatic Nuisance Species in Iowa
  • Illinois State Comprehensive Management Plan for Aquatic Nuisance Species
  • State Management Plan for Aquatic Invasive Species in Louisiana
  • State of Maine Action Plan for managing Invasive Aquatic Species
  • Missouri Department of Conservation Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan
  • Montana Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan - (Please note: this management plan is not currently accessible. To request a Section 508 compliant copy, please contact )
  • New Mexico Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan
  • Oregon Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan
  • Rhode Island Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan
  • Texas Comprehensive Management Plan for Aquatic Nuisance Species
  • Utah Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan
  • Wisconsin's Comprehensive Management Plan to Prevent Further Introductions and Control Existing Populations of Aquatic Invasive Species

Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans:

  • St. Croix Nation Scenic Riverway 

Regional Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans:

National Aquatic Nuisance Species Outreach Campaigns

Aquatic Nuisance Species Databases

Prevention Guidance Documents

  • Watercraft Inspection Protocols- coming soon
  • (2018)
  • (2014)
  • Generic Nonindigenous Aquatic Organisms Risk Analysis Review Process (1996)
  • Pathway Definition, Risk Analysis and Risk Prioritization - Training and Implementation Guide (2007)
  • Decontaminating Firefighting Equipment to Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species - Developed by the Western Regional Panel, the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force these adopted these protocols in 2023. This how-to guide provides step-by-step instructions on drafting from a water source, setting up and using a decontamination station, and disposing of products once finished at a site to minimize the introduction and spread of AIS. This guide is intended to serve as a supplement to the  (PMS 444, January 2017).


Developed by the Western Regional Panel, the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force these adopted these protocols in 2021 as recommended procedures for watercraft inspection and decontamination.

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Rapid Response Plans

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Rapid Response Fund

The Model Process: Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species -  outlines a structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure and process for a pilot Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species. It defines circumstances and activities that qualify for funding and addresses eligibility of applicants, application process, evaluation criteria, expectations on desired outcomes, and the relationship of those activities to the National EDRR Framework. 

Research Guidance Documents

Outreach Assessments

  • National Invasive Species Outreach Campaign Assessment 2002
  • Assessing Risk Communication in the Pet and Aquarium Trade

Outreach Guidance Documents

National ANS Management and Control Plans

When the ANS Task Force determines that control of an aquatic nuisance species is warranted, recommended actions are organized into a comprehensive management plan that focuses on essential tasks designed to minimize the impact to areas where ANS have already invaded and prevent spread into additional habitats. Species management plans are developed through a cooperative process, with committee members from Federal and State agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, subject matter experts, and others. The plans also undergo review by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force members and regional panels, with opportunities for public review.

There are currently nine National Aquatic Nuisance Species Management and Control Plans approved by the ANS Task Force:

  • , approved June 1996
  • , approved November 1996.
  • European green crab, approved November 2002; revision approved July 2023
  • , approved November 2003.
  • , approved October 2005.
  • , approved November 2006, revision approved May 2015.
  • , approved May 2007.
  • , approved November 2007.
  • , approved May 2015.